ATHENA Award presented to Colby on on Wednesday

The annual ATHENA Award will be presented Wednesday to Silver Cross Hospital CEO Ruth Colby.

The award from the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry and The Council for Working Women recognizes leadership, service and mentorship. It will be presented during a luncheon that starts at 11:30 a.m. in the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate’s Victorian Ballroom at 15 Richards St. in Joliet.

Reservations can be made by Friday at www.jolietchamber.com or by calling the chamber at (815) 727-5371.

Colby is president and chief executive officer at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. She also is chair-elect at the Will County Center for Economic Development, has served with numerous other community organizations, and was recognized in a Crain’s Chicago Business list of “Notable Women in Health Care.”

“Ruth Colby has seen the evolution of women’s roles dramatically transform during her 45-year career,” said a news release from the Joliet chamber. “Many women have paved the way for not only her but others gaining a seat at the table, and, because of those leaders, she continually works to pay it forward. Colby has had the good fortune to work alongside numerous extremely talented women and continues to enjoy collaboration amongst her peers, recruiting women into the workforce, and ultimately mentoring and counseling those that are searching to be lifted up and realize personal and professional goals.”

The ATHENA Award Program was developed in 1982 to recognize leaders who demonstrate professional excellence, contribute to the quality of life in the community, and assist women in realizing leadership potential.

“I believe my main contribution to the advancement of women is as a role model,” Colby said in the release. “Setting an example for behavior, meeting etiquette, and communication are qualities that I constantly pay attention to so that others hopefully can learn from me.”

Colby’s community and professional involvement includes service on the board of the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center and on the board of directors at the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation.

She has previously held positions as senior vice president at SOLUCIENT, LLC and vice president in the University of Chicago and Weiss Memorial Health and Hospital systems. Other recognitions include a Gold Star for Health Award from the National Hook-Up of Black Women and an ATHENA Award from the Uptown Chamber of Commerce. She has been involved with the Rotary Club of Joliet, Kohl’s Children Museum and Joliet Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School.